Gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional molecule in plant systems, implicated in both physiological and pathological functions. Despite the early studies, which considered NO as an air pollutant that affected plant growth, the discovery of the ability of plants to release NO by Klepper in 1979, triggered this exciting research field to which significant efforts have been dedicated for the past 40 years. During this time, we have witnessed the identification of NO as a signal molecule implicated in plant development, stress responses as well as in beneficial plant-microbial interactions. Many of these functions involve the interaction of NO and other reactive nitrogen species (RNS), along with diverse signaling molecules including ROS, H₂S and H₂, thus generating components capable of undergoing post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as nitration, S-nitrosation and nitroalkylation. More recently, the term reactive lipid species (RLS) has emerged to designate the family of signaling molecules called nitro-fatty acids (NO₂-FAs), nitrolipids or nitroalkenes which result from the interaction of non-saturated fatty acids with NO and derived species. On the other hand, an issue still under continuous debate is the source of NO in plants.

Although there is much evidence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrates and inhibitors that have actions in plants, land plants unlike algal species do not possess typical nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Understanding the complex network in which NO is involved can lead to its biotechnological application in the area of food and agriculture in order to control plant developmental stages such as dormancy, germination, greening and fruit ripening, as well as to increase the tolerance of plants to many kinds of stresses, as well as post-harvest protection of plant products. In summary, this knowledge could result in a greater saving and use of agricultural resources that could affect the world economy.

This Research Topic aims to showcase recent findings concerning the production and roles of NO in plant growth and development, in the response to beneficial interactions and to adverse conditions, its signaling ability regarding its interactions with other biological molecules along with its biotechnological potential. In summary, we welcome contributions falling under the following points:

- NO in abiotic stress conditions
- NO in beneficial and/or pathological plant-microbe interactions
- Metabolism of NO in plant cells
- Sources of NO in plant systems
- NO in seed germination, development, senescence, sexual reproduction and fruit ripening
- NO cross-talk with other signaling molecules and plant hormones
- NO signaling and PTMs mediated by RNS
- Biotechnological applications of NO

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Frontiers in Plant Science

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